The musical The Notebook, like the novel and film that preceded it, is renowned for its unabashed romanticism, its ability to warm hearts and jerk tears unmatched in contemporary theater.
Underneath the drama, though, is a condition that affects the daily lives of an estimated 19 million people in the United States.
Seven million people in the U.S. are living with Alzheimer’s disease. Another 12 million are caregivers, mostly family and friends and most unpaid. Those figures come from the nonprofit Alzheimer’s Association, which, according to its website, “leads the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support.”
Alzheimer’s Association representatives will be at the Wednesday, May 27, presentation of The Notebook in Morsani Hall. They will have materials and resources for caregivers, as well as information on the upcoming Walk to End Alzheimer’s, Oct. 17 in Tampa.
The notebook of the title contains the story of a couple’s romance and life together. Husband Noah reads his love story to his wife, Allie, who has Alzheimer’s, hoping for a sign of recognition.
The Notebook’s portrayal of Alzheimer’s is fictionalized but it still can lead to more awareness and better understanding of the disease.
“Anytime people see Alzheimer’s represented in a meaningful and relatable way, it can help reduce stigma,” said Dawn Wade, the association’s field marketing and communications director for its Southeast region.
References to Alzheimer’s, Wade said, can “make it easier for individuals and families to talk openly about the disease, ask questions and seek support.”
Caregiving can feel overwhelming. Unpaid caregivers devote an average of 31 hours a week on care for their Alzheimer’s patient, often on top of a full-time job, school and raising their own family. A shared experience such as seeing The Notebook can “sometimes open the door to more in-depth conversations,” said Wade.
“When people connect emotionally to a story, it can help them feel more comfortable discussing memory loss, caregiving, diagnosis and the realities families face with Alzheimer’s disease,” Wade said.
In addition to manning the information table, Alzheimer’s Association representatives will be on hand for a talk-back following the Wednesday evening performance.
“We will discuss ways in which we support caregivers and families as well as the latest in research,” said Makeba Huntington-Symons, senior community engagement manager for the association’s Florida Gulf Coast Chapter.
The Notebook will be presented May 26-31. For tickets or more information visit our website or call 813-229-7827.
The Alzheimer’s Association has a 24/7 Helpline at 800-272-3900. Visit its website to learn more about Alzheimer’s and the Alzheimer’s Association’s efforts to end it.
